US20250331658A1

US20250331658A1 - Nursing pillow with cover-up

Info

Publication number: US20250331658A1
Application number: US18/648,815
Authority: US
Inventors: Michelle Barsosky
Original assignee: Twin Z Company Inc
Current assignee: Twin Z Company Inc
Priority date: 2024-04-29
Filing date: 2024-04-29
Publication date: 2025-10-30
Also published as: CA3272119A1

Abstract

A nursing pillow has pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end. The pillow cover defines an interior volume. The pillow cover defines an opening along an outer perimeter with access into the pillow cover. In some embodiments, the pillow cover has an interior pocket configured to store the cover-up. A fastener along the opening is configured to selectively maintain the opening in a closed state. A cover-up is attached to the inside of the pillow cover along at least part of a bottom end, where the cover-up is sized and configured to be stored in the pillow cover and deployable from the first opening for use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to nursing pillows. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a nursing pillow with a cover-up.

BACKGROUND

Nursing a newborn can play a significant role in ensuring the child's healthy growth. Nursing is linked to numerous aspects of a child's development, such as balanced eye development brought about by a child's ability to look at his mother when nursed, a stronger bond between a mother and child, and the proper development of the child's mouth and tongue muscles, which can reduce the likelihood of speech problems.
Despite these benefits, breastfeeding can be a challenging procedure that requires maintaining the baby's head and body weight while positioning the infant to correctly latch on to the breast for feeding. Furthermore, these feeding sessions might last longer than an hour, requiring the mother to provide the baby with prolonged, appropriate support for the baby's body and head. The strain of having to feed an infant in a public setting might make this effort much more difficult. Slings, carriers, arm supports, pillows, and other nursing aids have often been used to address these challenges. Although these have been helpful to moms, concerns about privacy, ease of use, and comfort for both mother and baby have only been partially addressed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a nursing pillow with an attached or attachable cover-up. The present disclosure is also directed to a pillow cover for a nursing pillow, where the pillow cover includes the attached or attachable cover-up. In one embodiment, the cover-up can be selectively stored in a pocket that extends along an outer part of the pillow cover. At least part of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached inside the pillow cover, whether permanently or removably. In use, the cover-up can be deployed from the pocket for use, then stowed again in the pocket after use.
The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a nursing pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top and front perspective view of a nursing pillow with an infant seated in an open region of the pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top and rear perspective view of a nursing pillow and shows the pocket in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top and side perspective view of a nursing pillow and shows the pocket in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nursing pillow as viewed along line A-A of FIG. 1 , and shows a pocket defined by a panel attached to the inside of the pillow cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nursing pillow as viewed along line A-A shown in FIG. 1 , where the pocket is defined by a panel attached to the outside of the pillow cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top and rear perspective view of a nursing pillow with a cover-up of triangular shape deployed from the pocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a pillow and cover-up, where a middle portion of the cover-up is attached inside of the pocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a nursing pillow with a cover-up in a deployed position, where a bottom, middle portion of the cover-up extends down from a body of the cover-up and is attached in a pocket along the outer circumference of the pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a pillow with a cover-up in a deployed position, where the bottom, middle portion of the cover-up is attached inside the pocket and side portions of the cover-up are removably attached along the outer circumference of the pillow cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of a nursing pillow and cover-up during breastfeeding with a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a nursing pillow with a cover-up in a deployed position and an infant on the pillow in a simulated breastfeeding position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 . FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an infant feeding pillow 100 with a pillow cover 20 and filling material 80 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) disposed in an inside volume of the pillow cover 20, according to one embodiment. The pillow cover 20 has an arcuate shape with a first arm 24 and a second arm 28. A central axis 26 can be a center line of pillow cover 20 as viewed from above, where the central axis 26 extends between the first arm 24 and second arm 28 such that the first and second arms 24, 28 are generally symmetrical about the central axis 26, in some embodiments. The first arm 24 and second arm 28 may connect to form a complete or mostly complete annulus where ends 38 d of each arm 24, 28 are discontinuous and the arms 24, 28 extend around a central open region 38. The pillow cover 20 includes an opening (not visible) that is selectively closable with a fastener 68, such as a zipper.
In some embodiments, the first arm 24 and the second arm 28 are separated by and connected via a longitudinal base portion 22 between them. For example, the base portion 22 extends crosswise to the central axis 26 such that the first arm 24 extends transversely from a first end region 23 of the base portion 22 and the second arm 28 extends transversely from a second end region 27 of the base portion 22. In use, the base portion 22 is arranged in front of the user with arms 24, 28 extending around the user's waist. The base portion 22 is generally suitable to support an infant, whether by itself or in combination with portions of the first arm 24 and/or second arm 28. In this example, the base portion 22, the first arm 24, and the second arm 28 combine to form an arcuate shaped structure that extends around the open region 38. In some embodiments, the base portion 22 can have a length from zero to twelve inches or more between the arms 24, 28. For example, some embodiments of the pillow 100 extend the base portion 22 in order to accommodate a user of larger waist size. The base portion 22 can be continuous with the first arm 24 and second arm 28 so as to be indistinguishable as a separate portion from arms 24, 28. As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , each arm 24, 28 extends from the base portion 22 to ends 38 d that are closely adjacent to one another and so that the arms 24, 28 encircle the open region 38.
As viewed from above, infant feeding pillow 100 preferably has a U-shape a crescent shape, or the shape of a discontinuous annulus having ends 38 d of arms 24, 28 that abut or nearly abut. Other shapes are acceptable, such as an oval, kidney-shape, and the like. The open region 38 can have a circular, pear, teardrop, triangular, diamond, ovoid, or some other shape as viewed from above.
First arm 24 has a distal end portion 30 that is opposite of first end region 23 of base portion 22. First arm 24 has first outside edge 24 a and first inside edge 24 b. Second arm 28 has a distal end portion 32 that is opposite of second end region 27 of base portion 22. Second arm 28 has second outside edge 28 a and second inside edge 28 b. First inside edge 24 b is laterally separated from second inside edge 28 b by open region 38 of diameter D. In some embodiments, diameter D is a constant value, such as when open region 38 has a circular shape; in other embodiments, D increases and/or decreases due to the open region 38 having a non-circular shape. In some embodiments, first outside edge 24 a of first arm 24 can be but is not required to be circumferentially parallel to first inside edge 24 b. Similarly, second outside edge 28 a can be but is not required to be circumferentially parallel to second inside edge 28 b.
In some embodiments, distal end portion 30 of first arm 24 and distal end portion 32 of the second arm 28 extend towards each other to further define the open region 38. At rest, the distal end portion 30 of first arm 24 and distal end portion 32 of second arm 28 may contact each other, or they may be separated by a gap 45. First inside edge 24 b of first arm 24, second inside edge 28 b of second arm 28, and opening base margin 38 b along base portion 22 are preferably curved to give open region 38 a substantially circular shape, in some embodiments.
The pillow cover 20 can be provided as a stand-alone item that is ready to be filled with filling material 80 or it can be provided in an assembled form complete with filling material 80 in the interior volume. Examples of filling material 80 include a single piece or a collection of pieces of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, natural latex rubber foam, memory foam, polyester fiberfill (e.g., micro denier fiber fill), cotton, beads (e.g., polystyrene beads), beans, cotton, wool, feathers, and the like. In one embodiment, the filling material 80 is removable from pillow cover 20 for ease of washing pillow cover 20. In some embodiments, the filling material 80 can be contained within a filling cover, such as a sack or inner pillow form, that is configured to be installed inside of the pillow cover 20, for example.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a top and front perspective view and a top and rear perspective view, respectively, of an infant feeding pillow 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to as noted above, the infant feeding pillow 100 includes a pillow cover 20 that defines an interior volume 122 filled with (or that can be filled with) filling material 80. The pillow cover 20 has a top surface 50 where an object, such as an infant 1, can be placed, and a bottom surface 52. Note, however, that the top surface 50 and bottom surface 52 may be interchangeable for different applications, and the terms “top” and “bottom” are used herein for convenience of describing embodiments of the infant feeding pillow 100. Accordingly, the terms “top” and “bottom” do not limit the infant feeding pillow 100 to a particular orientation. In some embodiments, the top surface 50 may support the weight of the infant 1. This top surface 50 may be sufficiently wide to support an infant 1 during breastfeeding. Additionally, this top surface 50 can be spaced sufficiently above the bottom surface 52 (e.g., by filling material 80) to enable the user 2 to set the pillow 100 on her lap 3 and to have the top surface 50 at a comfortable height relative to her breasts to enable breastfeeding without further adjustment of the feeding pillow 100.
In some embodiments, the feeding pillow 100, and hence pillow cover 20, has an inner perimeter 56 with an arcuate shape that partly defines the open region 38. For example, the inner perimeter 56 includes the first inside edge 24 b, opening base margin 38 b, and second inside edge 28 b (shown in FIG. 1 ). This shape enables the user 2 to position herself such that when her torso 4 (shown in FIG. 16 ) is located inside the open region 38 with arms 24, 28 of the feeding pillow 100 extending around the waist of the user 1 so that the torso 4 faces the inner perimeter 56 and the arms 24 and 28 of the feeding pillow 100 wrap around the sides of her body. The pillow cover 20 has an outer perimeter 54 that is generally curved and includes the back edge 22 a, the first outside edge 24 a, and the second outside edge 28 a.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the pillow 100 defines an opening 60 (e.g., a first opening 60) along the outer perimeter 54. The opening 60 can be selectively opened and closed using a fastener 68, such as a zipper, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fastener, or any other suitable fastener. In this example, the fastener 68 is a zipper that extends approximately half-way around the outer perimeter 54 and is shown closed.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , a top, side, and rear perspective view shows a feeding pillow 100 with the fastener 68 (e.g., a zipper) in a partially open position that enables access to the inside of the pillow 100 via the first opening 60. In this example, the pillow cover 20 defines a pocket 58 that is sized and configured to receive a cover-up 62 in a stowed position, such as shown in FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the cover-up 62, when not in use, may be stored in the pocket 58. In some embodiments, the first opening 60 may also allow for the filling material 80 to be inserted or removed from the interior volume of the pillow cover 20. Various techniques can be used to define the first opening 60, including simply including a slit at any location along the outer perimeter 54 and installing the fastener 68 along that slit. Additionally, the first opening 60 can extend horizontally along all or part of the outer perimeter 54. For example, the first opening 60, and hence fastener 68, can extend from 10% to 90% of the outer perimeter 54, depending on the dimensions and shape of the cover-up 62. The first opening 60 is typically centered on the central axis 26 (shown in FIG. 1 ), but this is not required in all embodiments.
Note that the pillow cover 20 need not define a pocket 58 in all embodiments. For example, the cover-up 62 can be attached to an inside of the pillow cover 20 and deployed through the opening 60. After use, the cover-up 62 can be stowed in the interior volume of the pillow cover 20, which can be a volume shared with the pillow stuffing material.
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a pillow 100 as viewed along line A-A in FIG. 1 . In this example, the pocket 58 or sac is defined by attaching a panel 70 to the inside surface 72 of the pillow cover 20, thereby defining the pocket 58 inside of the pillow cover 20 between the panel 70 and the material of the pillow cover 20 along the outer perimeter 54. The panel 70 can be considered part of the pillow cover 20. Here, the pocket 58 can be accessed via the first opening 60. The panel 70 is positioned to overlap the first opening 60 so that when the first opening 60 is open, the cover-up 62 can be stowed in or deployed from the pocket 58.
In some embodiments, the panel 70 defines a second opening 74 that extends horizontally along the panel 70 and is arranged to allow access to the interior volume 122 of the pillow cover 20. The second opening 74 typically is aligned along the first opening 60, but this is not required in all embodiments. The second opening 74 enables access to the interior volume of the pillow cover 20, such as for installing or removing the filling material 80. In some embodiments, the second opening 74 can be defined by leaving part of the panel 70 (e.g., a top or bottom margin) unattached to inside surface 72 of the pillow cover 20. However, it will be appreciated that other techniques may be used to define the second opening 74, including defining a slit at any location along the panel 70. In some embodiments, the second opening 74 may not be closable. In alternative embodiments, the second opening 74 includes a second fastener 82, such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, or hook-and-loop fastener, so that the user can open and close the second opening 74 as needed.
The panel 70 has an outside surface 84 and an inside surface 86. Here, the pocket 58 is defined between the outside surface 84 of the panel 70 and the inside surface 72 of the pillow cover 20. The volume and dimension of pocket 58 can be selected so as to be sufficient to enable stowing the cover-up 62 in the pocket 58. The interior volume of the pocket 58 can be defined based on the horizontal length of the panel 70. For instance, the panel 70 can have a length that is equal to or greater than the length of the first opening 60. In some embodiments, the panel 70 extends beyond ends of the first opening 60. In this example, the cover-up 62 attaches to the panel 70 inside the pocket 58 and can be deployed through the first opening 60 defined by the pillow cover 20.
FIG. 6 , illustrates a cross-sectional view of an infant feeding pillow 100 as viewed along line A-A of FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment. In this example, the pocket 58 is constructed by attaching the panel 70 to an outside surface 106 of the pillow cover 20 to define the pocket 58 between the panel 70 and the pillow cover 20, where the panel 70 is part of the pillow cover 20, defines the first opening 60, and overlaps the second opening 74. The first opening 60 extends horizontally along the panel 70 and is generally aligned with the second opening 74, which is defined along the material of the pillow cover 20. Accordingly, the first opening 60 enables access into the pocket 58, which is defined between the inside surface 86 of the panel 70 and the outside surface 106 of the pillow cover 20. The second opening 74 can be defined in various ways as noted above and enables access into the interior volume of the pillow cover 20. In some embodiments, the second opening 74 may not be fixed closed, such as when the second opening 74 is formed by overlapping pieces of fabric that can be spread apart to open the second opening 74. In alternative embodiments, the second opening 74 may include a second fastener 82, such as a zipper, to selectively open and close the second opening 74. Other fasteners may include ties, clips, buttons, a hook and loop fastener material, and the like. Note that in this embodiment, the first opening 60 may be referred to as an inner opening and the second opening 74 may be referred to as an outer opening. In this example, the cover-up 62 attaches to the material of the pillow cover 20 inside the pocket 58 and can be deployed through the first opening 60 in the panel 70.
The dimensions and volume of the pocket 58 can be selected to accommodate the cover-up 62 and other items, such as discussed above. When the panel 70 is on the outside of the pillow cover 20, the panel 70 typically extends beyond the length of the first opening 60, which is accessible inside of the pocket 58. In this example, the first opening 60 and second opening 74 are both located at or near a midline about halfway between the top surface 50 and the bottom surface 52 of the pillow cover 20. In other embodiments, one or both of the first opening 60 and second opening 74 can have other positions, such being positioned closer to the top surface 50 or bottom surface 52. Also, the first and second openings 60, 74 are shown as extending along one another; however, the first opening 60 can be spaced vertically from the second opening 74 in some embodiments as deemed appropriate for access into the pocket 58 and/or into the interior volume of the pillow cover 20. For example, the first opening 60 and second opening 74 can be positioned at a location that allows easy access to the inside of the pocket 58 and into the interior volume 122 of the pillow 100. Such configuration permits access to the filling material 80 through the first opening 60 and the second opening 74. The removal of the filling material 80 enables the pillow cover 20 to be separated from the filling material 80 for laundering.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top and rear perspective view of a pillow 100 with a cover-up 62, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cover-up 62 is shown deployed from the first opening 60, which is open. The first opening 60 can be closed or opened using the first fastener 68, here shown as a zipper. A panel 70 can be seen through the first opening 60, where the panel 70 defines a pocket 58 between the pillow cover 20 and the panel 70. As noted above, the cover-up 62 can be stored in the pocket 58 when not in use. The panel 70 further defines a second opening 74 with a second fastener 82, which is also shown open in this example. The user may access the interior volume 122 of the pillow cover 20 to remove or replace the filling material 80, for example. The pillow cover 20 and cover-up 62 can be made of any suitable pliable material, including cotton, wool, and polyester.
A bottom end 63 of the cover-up 62 is attached permanently and/or removably inside the first opening 60. For example, the bottom end 63 can be secured to the panel 70 or to an inside of the pillow cover 20, such as by a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fastener, stitching, or other suitable means or combination of such means. All or part of the bottom end 63 can be secured by permanent (e.g., stitching or glue) and/or non-permanent means (e.g., buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fastener, or zipper). In some embodiments, the cover-up 62 generally has a triangular shape, such as shown here, where the bottom end 63 generally follows the outer perimeter 54 of the pillow 100. The bottom end 63 of the cover-up 62 is attached to the panel 70 at a location above the second opening 74 so that when deployed, the second opening 74 and second fastener 82 are visible. In other embodiments, the bottom end 63 is attached at a location below the second opening 74 so that the second opening 74 and second fastener 82 are concealed when the cover-up 62 is deployed for use, such as shown in FIG. 7 . In this example, the cover-up 62 defines a neck opening 120 sized to slip over a user's head. Here, the neck opening 120 is a closed loop formed by straps 65 that extend from an upper end portion 62 b of the cover-up 62. The straps 65 can be tied together or fastened together with a clasp or buckle, for example, to form an openable closed loop around the user's neck, for example. In other embodiments, the neck opening 120 is permanently closed loop.
FIG. 8 illustrates a top and rear perspective view of a pillow 100 with a cover-up 62, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cover-up 62 is shown deployed from the first opening 60, which is open. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the first opening 60 can be closed or opened using the first fastener 68, here shown as a zipper. A panel 70 can be seen through the first opening 60, where the panel 70 defines a pocket 58 between the pillow cover 20 and the panel 70. The panel 70 further defines a second opening 74 with a second fastener 82, which is shown closed in this example. The user may access the interior volume 122 (not visible in FIG. 8 ) of the pillow cover 20 to remove or replace the filling material 80, for example.
A part of the bottom end 63 of the cover-up 62 is attached to the panel 70 inside the pocket 58. In this example, a middle portion 63 a of the bottom end 63 is permanently attached to the panel 70 by stitching, and side portions 63 b of the bottom end 63 are removably attached to the pillow cover 20 or panel 70 when deployed for use. In other embodiment, the middle portion 63 a can be removably attached, such as using a zipper, snaps, buttons, or other suitable fastener. Here, buttons are used to secure the side portions 63 b of the cover-up 62 to the pillow cover 20 during use. In this example, the middle portion 63 a of the cover-up 62 extends from the body 62 a of the cover-up 62, similar to a tongue, thereby defining a distinct middle portion 63 a. In other embodiments, the middle portion 63 a is collinear with or merely curves downward from the body 62 a. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.
When moving the cover-up 62 shown in FIG. 8 from the deployed position to the stored position, side portions 63 b can be folded inward to overlay the middle portion 63 a, then the cover-up 62 can be folded, rolled, or bunched together for storage in the pocket 58. In such way, the length of the first fastener 68 can be reduced. For example, the first fastener 68 can have a length commensurate in size with the middle portion 63 a of the cover-up 62, or it can be longer or shorter than the middle portion 63 a as deemed appropriate for ease of use and taking into consideration manufacturing cost and other factors, for example. Similarly, a side portion 63 b can be attached in the pocket 58 with the remainder of the bottom end 63 unattached in the stowed position.
FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a feeding pillow 100 with a cover-up 62 shown in a partially deployed position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the bottom end 63 of the cover-up 62 includes a middle portion 63 a that is formed like a tongue that extends downward from the body 62 a of the cover-up 62. Side portions 63 b each define one or more first fastener part (e.g., a button hole as shown here) for attachment to a corresponding second fastener part 64 b (e.g., a button as shown here) on the pillow cover 20. Thus, during use, the cover-up 62 can be deployed from the pocket 58 (not visible in FIG. 9 ) and the first fastener parts 64 a attached to corresponding second fastener parts 64 b on the pillow cover 20, so that the bottom end 63 of the cover up 62 extends along the outer perimeter 54 of the pillow cover 20 and provides privacy to the infant on the pillow. Although only one pair of fastener parts 64 a/64 b are shown on each side portion 63 a of the cover-up 62, more can be used. In alternate embodiments, a zipper or strip of hook-and-loop fastener can be used so that most or all of the bottom end 63 of the cover-up is attached to the pillow cover 20 during use.
FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a feeding pillow 100 with a cover-up 62 shown in a deployed position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the bottom end 63 of the cover-up 62 includes a middle portion 63 a that is formed like a tongue that extends downward from the body 62 a of the cover-up 62. The middle portion 63 a is attached on the inside of the pocket 58, which is defined between a panel 70 and the pillow cover 20. Side portions 63 b are attached to the outside of the pillow cover 20 using buttons. Here, buttons and button holes are first and second fastener parts, respectively. Similar to embodiments discussed above, during use the cover-up 62 can be deployed from the pocket 58 and the first fastener parts 64 a on the pillow cover attach to corresponding second fastener parts 64 b on the cover-up 62, or vice versa, so that the bottom end 63 of the cover up 62 extends along the outer perimeter 54 of the pillow cover 20 and provides privacy to the infant on the pillow. In alternate embodiments, a zipper or strip of hook-and-loop fastener can be used so that most or all of the bottom end 63 of the cover-up is attached to the pillow cover 20 during use.
FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of a feeding pillow 100 in use by a user 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the feeding pillow 100 is supported on the user's lap 3 with the cover-up 62 deployed. Strap(s) 65 extend in a loop around the user's neck so that the cover-up 62 provides a private area for breastfeeding an infant.
FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of a feeding pillow 100 with a cover-up 62 in a deployed position and with an infant 1 on the pillow 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the feeding pillow 100 includes an optional strap 88 connecting ends 38 d of the first and second arms 24, 28. The strap 88 includes first and second portions 88 a, 88 b that can be connected together, such as by tying or use of a fastener 90. Here, one end of each of the first and second strap portions 88 a, 88 b extends through a respective strap opening 92 in the pillow cover 20 and is connected to an inside of the pillow cover 20. As such, the strap portions 88 a, 88 b can be stowed inside the pillow cover 20 by pushing each portion of the strap 88 through a respective strap opening 92. The connector 90 can be a buckle, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or other suitable fastener. When the connector 90 is provided, the strap openings 92 can be sized for passage of the respective portion of the fastener 90, in accordance with some embodiments. In its connected state, such as shown in FIG. 12 , the strap 88 aids in maintaining the ends 38 d adjacent to one another or in contact with another, as deemed appropriate by the user. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

FURTHER EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.
Example 1 is a nursing pillow, comprising a pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end. The pillow cover defines an outer perimeter and an interior volume. The pillow cover defines an opening that extends along the outer perimeter and includes a fastener configured to selectively maintain the opening in a closed state. A cover-up has a bottom end attached to an inside of the pillow cover, where the cover-up is sized and configured to be stored in the pillow cover and deployable from the first opening for use.
Example 2 includes the nursing pillow of Example 1, where the pillow cover includes a panel attached to an inside of the pillow cover to define a pocket between the pillow cover and the panel, the pocket sized to store the cover-up.
Example 3 includes the nursing pillow of Example 2, where the panel defines a second opening to the interior volume of the pillow cover.
Example 4 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing Examples, where the opening extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.
Example 5 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing examples, where only a portion of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached to the inside of the pillow cover.
Example 6 includes the nursing pillow of Example 5, where the portion of the bottom end is a middle portion.
Example 7 includes the nursing pillow of Example 6, where the middle portion is permanently attached inside the pocket.
Example 8 includes the nursing pillow of Example 6, where the middle portion is removably attached inside the pocket, such as by a zipper, buttons, or hook-and-loop fastener.
Example 9 includes the nursing pillow of any one of Examples 5-8, where a remainder of the bottom end of the cover-up includes one or more first fastener portions each configured for engaging a corresponding second fastener portion on an outside of the pillow cover.
Example 10 includes the nursing pillow of Example 9, where the corresponding second fastener portion includes a corresponding second fastener portion located adjacent each arm end.
Example 11 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing examples, where the cover-up defines a closed loop sized and configured to extend around a user's neck during use.
Example 12 includes the nursing pillow of any of Examples 1-10, where the cover-up includes straps configured to be fastened together to define a loop around a user's neck during use.
Example 13 is a nursing pillow comprising a pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end, where the pillow cover has a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer perimeter, and defines an interior volume, and where the pillow cover defines a first opening to the interior volume. A panel is secured to an outside of the pillow cover to define a pocket between the panel and the pillow cover, where the panel overlaps the first opening and defines a second opening having a fastener configured to selectively maintain the second opening in a closed position. A cover-up has a bottom end attached to the panel or the pillow cover at a location inside the pocket, where the cover-up sized and configured to be stored in the pocket and deployable from the first opening for use.
Example 14 includes the nursing pillow of Example 13, where the second opening extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.
Example 15 includes the nursing pillow of Example 13 or 14, where only a portion of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached inside the pocket.
Example 16 includes the nursing pillow of Example 15, where the portion is a middle portion.
Example 17 includes the nursing pillow of Example 16, where the middle portion is removably attached inside the pocket.
Example 18 includes the nursing pillow of any one of Example 16 or 17, where each side portion of the bottom end of the cover-up includes one or more first fastener portion configured for engaging a corresponding second fastener portion on an outside of the pillow cover.
Example 19 includes the nursing pillow of Example 18, where the corresponding second fastener portion is located adjacent each arm end.
Example 20 includes the nursing pillow of any one of Examples 13-19, where the cover-up defines a closed loop sized and configured to extend around a user's neck during use.
Example 21 includes the nursing pillow of any one of Examples 13-19, where the cover-up includes straps configured to be fastened together to define a loop around a user's neck during use.
Example 22 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing examples and further comprises filling material disposed in the interior volume of the pillow cover.
Example 23 includes the nursing pillow of Example 22, where the filling material is a structured inner pillow.
Example 24 includes the nursing pillow of Example 23, where the filling material comprises loose fill material.
Example 25 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing examples and further includes a strap releasably connectable between respective ends of the first arm and the second arm.
The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

Claims

1. A nursing pillow, comprising:

a pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end, wherein the pillow cover defines an outer perimeter and an interior volume, and wherein the pillow cover defines an opening that extends along the outer perimeter;

a fastener along the opening, the fastener configured to selectively maintain the opening in a closed state; and

a cover-up having a bottom end attached to an inside of the pillow cover, the cover-up sized and configured to be stored in the pillow cover and deployable from the first opening for use.

2. The nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow cover includes a panel secured to an inside of the pillow cover and overlapping the opening to define a pocket sized and configured to store the cover-up.

3. The nursing pillow of claim 2, wherein the panel defines a second opening to the interior volume of the pillow cover.

4. The nursing pillow of claim 1, further comprising filling material disposed in the interior volume of the pillow cover.

5. The nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein only a portion of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached inside the pocket.

6. The nursing pillow of claim 5, wherein the portion of the bottom end is a middle portion.

7. The nursing pillow of claim 6, wherein the middle portion is permanently attached inside the pocket.

8. The nursing pillow of claim 6, wherein the middle portion is removably attached inside the pocket.

9. The nursing pillow of claim 5, wherein a remainder of the bottom end of the cover-up includes one or more first fastener portions each configured for engaging a corresponding second fastener portion on an outside of the pillow cover.

10. The nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the cover-up defines a closed loop sized and configured to extend around a user's neck during use.

11. A nursing pillow, comprising:

a pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end, wherein the pillow cover has a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer perimeter, and defines an interior volume, and wherein the pillow cover defines a first opening to the interior volume;

a panel secured to an outside of the pillow cover to define a pocket between the panel and the pillow cover, the panel overlapping the first opening and defining a second opening having a fastener configured to selectively maintain the second opening in a closed position; and

a cover-up having a bottom end attached to the panel or the pillow cover at a location inside the pocket, the cover-up sized and configured to be stored in the pocket and deployable from the first opening for use.

12. The nursing pillow of claim 11, further comprising filling material disposed in the inner volume of the pillow cover.

13. The nursing pillow of claim 11, wherein the second opening extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.

14. The nursing pillow of claim 11, wherein only a portion of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached inside the pocket.

15. The nursing pillow of claim 11, wherein the portion is a middle portion.

16. The nursing pillow of claim 15, wherein the middle portion is removably attached inside the pocket.

17. The nursing pillow of claim 15, wherein side portions of the bottom end of the cover-up include one or more first fastener portion configured for engaging a corresponding second fastener portion on an outside of the pillow cover.

18. The nursing pillow of claim 17, wherein the corresponding second fastener portion is located adjacent the arm end.

19. The nursing pillow of claim 11, wherein the cover-up defines a closed loop sized and configured to extend around a user's neck during use.

20. The nursing pillow of claim 11, wherein the cover-up includes straps configured to be fastened together to define a loop around a user's neck during use.